Solved Do I need Windows Defender when I have other antivirus software

[ineuw]

Just began using Windows 7, with Avast antivirus installed. Do I need Windows 7 protection as well?

 

[gregrocker]

No, turn off Windows Defender.
Windows Defender - Turn On or Off

 

[ineuw]

Thanks for validating my thoughts.

 

[gregrocker]

What works best performance-wise for the whole 5 year run of Win7 is MSE. Then if you get repeatedly infected add Malwarebytes real time protection ($29 for life) to its on-demand scanner which is the best scanner followed by SuperAntiSpyware free scanner.

About 2 years ago Avast stopped being co-recommended with MSE by most of us here.

 

[andrew129260]

Windows defender in windows 8 and above is MSE. It is antivirus and antispyware. In windows 7, vista, xp it is antispyware only. You can safely use it in conjunction with your av product with no issues.

It uses very little resources and should not cause any problems. Most AV products/internet security suites do turn it off though when installed typically.